Listen to the audio and complete the sentences below. Write ONLY ONE WORD for each answer.
Manufacturing in the English Midlands
1. In the eighteenth century, the still determined how most people made a living.
2. In the ground were minerals which supported the many of the region.
3. Since the late sixteenth century the French settlers had made .
4. In Cheshire was mined and transported on the river Mersey.
5. Potters worked in a few situated on the small hills of North Staffordshire.
You will hear five different people talking about the head teacher or principal of their former secondary school. For each gap, choose from the list (A - F) which statement applies to which speaker.
Use the letters only once. There is one extra letter which you do not need to use.
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A. She favoured the talented students. B. She prepared us for the real world. C. She encouraged us to be imaginative. D. She was ahead of her time. E. She was concerned about the environment. F. She encouraged competitiveness. |
Speaker 1: Speaker 2: Speaker 3: Speaker 4: Speaker 5: |
Choose the underlined sound that is pronounced differently from the rest.
slaughter
draught
naughty
plaudit
Choose the word that differs from the rest in the position of the main stress.
Choose the underlined part that needs correction.
For its establishment, ASEAN Tourism Association has played an important role in promoting and developing ASEAN Tourism services.
There's no room to _____ a cat in this tent. We need to move to another one.
"What do you think of these books?" - "_____, the two novels are similar."
Blogs are heavily _____; bloggers read other blogs, link to them, and reference them in their own writing.
The inscription on the tombstone had been worn _____ by the weather and could scarcely be read.
The store has a wide variety of _____, including apples, oranges, and carrots.
The child yelled over the canyon and the wall _____ the sound.
_____ builds strong school communities through class blogs, discussion forums and videos.
Thanks to her teacher's encouragement, she has made great _____ in her study.
_____ unfair dismissal was rejected by the judge.
As the two seminars are running _____; Peter will have to make a choice on which one to attend.
The strike was _____ owing to a last-minute agreement with the management.
We have an intention _____ studying abroad.
_____ than spectators began to return to the slope.
A special award was presented to the novelist, _____ have been adapted for the theatre.
Fill in each blank with ONE best word.
TALENT - AT A PRICE?
Along with the usual stress of childhood and growing up, gifted children often have unique dilemmas, which can increase their stress levels even more. They may find it difficult to accept both their talents and their limitations. In to this, they soon realize that they are different from their peers, yet still long to fit in and feel a of belonging.
Common signs of stress in these children include losing a sense of humour as well as showing resentment towards parents, teachers and even friends. Many of these children from sleeplessness or have difficulty in waking up. They may develop nervous habits such as stuttering, excessive blinking or head shaking. These signs can be an indication that they are trying to cope with their anxieties unsuccessfully. Many gifted children link their self-worth and identity with highly they achieve. For these perfectionists, any failure is a terrible blow their self-esteem.
Complete the sentence by changing the form of the word in capitals.
A live broadcast of any public event, such as a space flight or sporting occasion, is almost (VARY) accompanied by the thoughts of a commentator. This may be on television, along with the relevant pictures, or alternatively on radio. The technique involved differs between the two media, with radio broadcasters needing to be more explicit and descriptive because of the absence of visual information. TV commentators do not need to paint a picture for their audience; instead their various (OBSERVE) should add to the images that are already there. There will sometimes be silences and pauses in TV commentary, although these are becoming increasingly rare. Both types of commentators should try to be informative but should avoid sounding (OPINION). In Sports commentary, fairness and impartiality to both sides is vital, but spontaneity and (ENTHUSIAST) are valued by those watching or listening. Sports commentators usually broadcast live in an essentially unscripted way, although they may refer to previously prepared materials such as sports statistics. Because of the (PREDICT) nature of live events, thorough preparation in advance is vital. The internet has helped enormously with this aspect of the job. Anyone interested in becoming a commentator should have excellent organizational skills, the willingness to work irregular hours, and a strong voice.
Read the following passage and choose the best answer for each blank.
The biologist's role in society as well as his moral and ethical responsibility in the discovery and development of new ideas has to a reassessment of his social and scientific value systems. A scientist can no longer ignore the consequences of his discoveries; he is as concerned with the possible misuses of his findings as he is with the basic research in which he is . This emerging social and political role of the biologist and all other scientists requires a weighing of values that cannot be done with the accuracy or the of a laboratory balance. As a member of society, it is necessary for a biologist now to redefine his social obligations and his functions, particularly in the field of making judgments about ethical problems as man's control of his environment or his manipulation of genes to direct further evolutionary development.
As a result of recent discoveries hereditary mechanisms, genetic engineering, by which human traits are made to order, may soon be a reality. As desirable as it may seem to be, such an accomplishment would entail many value judgments. Who would decide, for example, which traits should be selected for change? In cases of genetic and disease, the desirability of the change is obvious, but the possibilities for social misuse are so numerous that they may far outweigh the benefits.
Probably the greatest biological problem of the future, as it is of the present, will be to find ways to curb environmental pollution interfering with man's constant effort to improve the quality of his life. Many scientists believe that underlying the spectre of pollution is the problem of surplus human population. A rise in population necessitates an increase in the operations of modern industry, the waste products of which increase the pollution of air, water, and soil. The question of how many people the resources of the Earth can support is one of importance.
Read the text and choose the best answer to fill in the blanks.
The population distribution in Australia has long been uneven, (1) _____, especially in the east and south-east. Since the 1940s, urban areas have grown rapidly, (2) _____ and attracting an increasing number of residents due to better opportunities and living conditions.
Immigration has played a key role in the growth of these cities. During the second half of the 20th century, many people from Europe and Asia moved to Australia, drawn by the abundance of job opportunities in urban areas. (3) _____, with the population now including people from over 150 different nations. These waves of immigration have not only strengthened the workforce but also helped build a vibrant, multicultural, and diverse society.
In the past, Australia’s economy relied mainly on agriculture, with products like (4) _____. However, today, the country’s economy has undergone significant changes. Industrial development and the expansion of the tourism sector have created a more diverse economic structure. Tourism, in particular, (5) _____, strengthening the country’s position on the global stage and demonstrating the remarkable adaptability and growth of its economy.
Choose the phrase or sentence that best fits (1).
Choose the phrase or sentence that best fits (2).
Choose the phrase or sentence that best fits (3).
Choose the phrase or sentence that best fits (4).
Choose the phrase or sentence that best fits (5).
Read the passage then answer the questions.
Smart Energy
The next few decades will see great changes in the way energy is supplied and used. In some major oil-producing nations, 'peak oil' has already been reached, and there are increasing fears of global warming. Consequently, many countries are focusing on the switch to a low carbon economy. This transition will lead to major changes in the supply and use of electricity. Firstly, there will be an increase in overall demand, as consumers switch from oil and gas to electricity to power their homes and vehicles. Secondly, there will be an increase in power generation, not only in terms of how much is generated, but also how it is generated, as there is growing electricity generation from renewable sources. There is also likely more electricity generation centres, as households and communities take up the opportunity to install photovoltaic cells and small-scale wind turbines. To meet these challenges, countries are investing in Smart Grid technology. This system aims to provide the electricity industry with a better understanding of power generation and demand and to use this information to create a more efficient power network.
Smart Grid technology basically involves the application of a computer system to the electricity network. The computer system can be used to collect information about supply and demand and improve engineer's ability to manage the system. With better information about electricity demand, the network will be able to increase the amount of electricity delivered per unit generated, leading to potential reductions in fuel needs and carbon emissions. Moreover, the computer system will assist in reducing operational and maintenance costs.
Smart Grid technology offers benefits to the consumer too. They will be able to collect real-time information on their energy use for each appliance. Varying tariffs throughout the day will give customers the incentive to use appliances at times when supply greatly exceeds demand, leading to great reductions in bills. For example, they may use their washing machines at night. Smart meters can also be connected to the internet or telephone system, allowing customers to switch appliances on or off remotely. Furthermore, if houses are fitted with the apparatus to generate their own power, appliances can be set to run directly from the on-site power source, and any excess can be sold to the grid.
With these changes comes a range of challenges. The first involves managing the supply and demand. Sources of renewable energy, such as wind, wave and solar, are notoriously unpredictable, and nuclear power, which is also set to increase as nations switch to alternative energy sources, is inflexible. With oil and gas, it is relatively simple to increase the supply of energy to match the increasing demand during peak times of the day or year. With alternative sources, this is far more difficult, and may lead to blackouts or system collapse. Potential solutions include investigating new and efficient ways to store energy and encouraging consumers to use electricity at off-peak times.
A second problem is the fact that many renewable power generation sources are located in remote areas, such as windy uplands and coastal regions, where there is currently a lack of electrical infrastructure. New infrastructures therefore must be built. Thankfully, with improved smart technology, this can be done more efficiently by reducing the reinforcement or construction costs.
Although Smart Technology is still in its infancy, pilot schemes to promote and test it are already underway. Consumers are currently testing the new smart meters which can be used in their homes to manage electricity use. There are also a number of demonstrations being planned to show how the smart technology could practically work, and trials are in place to test the new electrical infrastructure. It is likely that technology will be added in 'layers', starting with 'quick win' methods which will provide initial carbon savings, to be followed by more advanced systems at a later date. Cities are prime candidates for investment into smart energy, due to the high population density and high energy use. It is here where Smart Technology is likely to be promoted first, utilising a range of sustainable power sources, transport solutions and an infrastructure for charging electrically powered vehicles. The infrastructure is already changing fast. By the year 2050, changes in the energy supply will have transformed our homes, our roads and our behaviour.
According to paragraph 1, what has happened in some oil-producing countries?
Which of the following is NOT a benefit of Smart Grid technology to consumers?
According to paragraph 4, what is the problem with using renewable sources of power?
In paragraph 6, what can be inferred about the introduction of Smart Grid Technology?
The word "remote" in paragraph 5 could be best replaced by:
What is the main idea of the final paragraph?
Read the following passage and choose the correct answer for each question.
Cooperation is the common endeavor of two or more people to perform a task or reach a jointly cherished goal. Like competition and conflict, there are different forms of cooperation, based on group organization and attitudes.
In the first form, known as primary cooperation, group and individual fuse. The group contains nearly all of each individual’s life. The rewards of the group’s work are shared with each member. There is an identity of individual, group, and task performed. Means and goals become one, for cooperation itself is valued.
While primary cooperation is most often characteristic of preliterate societies, secondary cooperation is most often characteristic of many modern societies. In secondary cooperation, individuals devote only part of their lives to the group. Cooperation itself is not a value. Most members of the group feel loyalty, but the welfare of the group is not the first consideration. Members perform tasks so that they can separately enjoy the fruits of their cooperation in the form of salary, prestige, or power. Business offices and professional athletic teams are examples of secondary cooperation.
In the third type, called tertiary cooperation or accommodation, latent conflict underlies the shared work. The attitudes of the cooperating parties are purely opportunistic; the organization is loose and fragile. Accommodation involves common means to achieve antagonistic goals; it breaks down when the common means cease to aid each party in reaching its goals. This is not, strictly speaking, cooperation at all, and hence the somewhat contradictory term antagonistic cooperation is sometimes used for this relationship.
What is the author's main purpose in the first paragraph of the passage?
The word "fuse" is closest in meaning to ______.
Which of the following statements about primary cooperation is supported by information in the passage?
Which of the following is an example of the third form of cooperation as it is defined in the fourth paragraph?
According to the passage, why do people join groups that practice secondary cooperation?
Which of the following best describes the overall organization of the passage?
Complete the second sentence using the word given so that it has the same meaning to the first.
The film was an adaptation of a novel by Hilton Nordman. (BASED)
=> They ……… by Hilton Nordman.
Complete the second sentence using the word given so that it has the same meaning to the first.
They still haven't found out what caused the accident. (CAUSE)
=> They have yet .......... the accident was.
Complete the second sentence using the word given so that it has the same meaning to the first.
Barney was not the only person who felt disappointed with the food in the restaurant. (ALONE)
=> Barney ………...
Complete the second sentence using the word given so that it has the same meaning to the first.
"Why don't you relax for a while?" she said to me. (EASY)
=> She suggested ..........
Complete the second sentence using the word given so that it has the same meaning to the first.
He worked very hard but he was unable to earn enough for his living. (ENDS)
=> Hard-working ............
Write at least 250 words about the following topic:
Learning English at school is often seen as more important than learning local languages. If these are not taught, many are at risk of dying out. In your opinion, is it important for everyone to learn English? Should we try to ensure the survival of local languages and, if so, how?
Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.